Gov. Otter to lead trade mission to Canada

BOISE — Led by Gov. Butch Otter and coordinated by the Idaho State Department of Agriculture and the Idaho Department of Commerce, an Idaho trade mission delegation will travel to Toronto, Canada, from Oct. 1-4.

Participating organizations represent a range of Idaho industry sectors including aerospace, renewable and nuclear energy, robotics, animal supplements, agriculture, safety and security, and forestry equipment, said a news release from the governor’s office.

Canada is the largest export market for Idaho with exports totaling $845.47 million. Toronto is the capital of the Province of Ontario and an international economic and financial powerhouse. Ontario accounts for more than 38 percent of Canada’s gross domestic product.

“Canada is our state’s largest trading partner, and it is essential for Idaho to continue strengthening these relationships,” said Idaho Department of Commerce Director Bobbi-Jo Meuleman. “There is an abundance of mutually-beneficial market prospects in Canada, and we are excited for our Idaho businesses and partners participating in the mission to connect with these opportunities.”

Trade missions provide Idaho companies with unique opportunities to pursue potential business partnerships, make new contacts, and develop trade opportunities in foreign markets. Of the 11 organizations participating, eight are joining a trade mission for the first-time.

“Trade is very important to Idaho, particularly for our agricultural industry because we export more than 20 percent of what is grown in this state,” said Idaho State Department of Agriculture Director Celia Gould. “State trade missions remain effective tools in expanding Idaho’s exports by affording businesses of all sizes a chance to establish contacts or strengthen relationships.”

Trade mission meetings will take place in the Greater Toronto Area. The destinations for Idaho trade missions are selected based on feedback from Idaho companies detailing in which markets they seek to expand as well as build upon existing trade relationships.

Significant planning is required to send a trade mission abroad, as the efforts are thoughtfully targeted with clear goals to increase exports for Idaho companies and promote Idaho businesses on a global scale. Each company has personalized itineraries to pursue potential business contacts, honor current business partners, as well as to enhance familiarity with the target country’s market, business practices, and culture.

Having high-ranking government officials from Idaho lead the mission provides critical access to decision-makers in foreign markets and creates sales leads more quickly. Other benefits to the companies attending the trade mission include potential for finding distribution, representation, investors, or logistical help in new global markets.

An array of Idaho industry sectors are represented in the companies participating in the mission:

Aviation Specialties Unlimited

Gem Chain Bar

Idaho E-Oregon Onion Committee

Inergy Solar

Idaho National Laboratory

PKG, Inc.

Premier Technology

Ventry Solutions

VersaBuilt Robotics

Wild Gold Supplements

Wildwood Grilling

To learn more about the Idaho Department of Commerce and programs to assist Idaho businesses, visit http://commerce.idaho.gov.

For more information about Idaho agriculture and agricultural exports, visit https://agri.idaho.gov.